New Santa Cruz park has agricultural, resort roots

SANTA CRUZ -- Before the half acre of land on San Lorenzo Boulevard was developed into Riverside Gardens Park, it was part of a rich, historical resort.

The property was part of 30 acres owned by Alfred Barson, who developed the area into a resort known for its pears, said Ross Gibson, a local historian.

"He purchased the property in 1870 and then I think it was after the railroad was established in 1876 that it brought so many tourist to town that there was a shortage of hotel rooms," Gibson said.

Barson capitalized on that by building a cottages on the grounds, ultimately creating the Riverside Hotel as a resort, Gibson said. Among the amenities were tennis courts, an archery range and a ballroom.

"Some of the movers and shakers from San Francisco and central valley," Gibson said. "San Francisco people were there to get away from summer fog. Central valley people were there to get away from summer heat. It was the perfect meeting of two worlds."

With time though, the Barson family sold off the land. Since it was sold in the years after World War II, much of it was developed into houses and apartments, Gibson said.

In 2010, the city received a nearly $1.8 million grant to purchase three parcels of land that spanned the half acre on the 200 block of San Lorenzo Boulevard near Riverside Avenue.

"I hope it brings the neighborhood together," said Mauro Garcia, park superintendent for the city. "We discovered that when we opened the off leash dog area a couple of blocks away. We got lots of calls and compliments from the neighborhood."

Among the features of the park are an enclosed playground, picnic tables and bike racks.

There will also be a community garden aspect, which plays well into the historical aspect of the land.

"Because as a community garden, that means people would come down and create little vegetable gardens and that's exactly what it was used for all these years," Gibson said.

Though a dedication ceremony is slated for 10 a.m. March 1, the park will be open for use beginning Tuesday, Garcia said.

IF YOU GORIVERSIDE GARDENS PARKWHO: The City of Santa Cruz is dedicating a Riverside Gardens Park, a half-acre piece of land with playground, picnic tables and other features.WHEN: 10 a.m. March 1WHERE: 262 San Lorenzo Blvd.DETAILS: For information, visit www.cityofsantacruz.com